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After – School Tennis
GETA has partnered with the YWCA of Elmira Kids World to teach tennis to students enrolled in their after-school program at Parley Coburn Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School, Fassett Elementary School and Pine City Elementary School. The lessons began in January and will run through the end of April. By the end of the GETA program, each site will have had seven lessons.

The lessons are being taught by head instructor, Tim Klee, and assisted by Michael Owens and Ryan Youngstrom. Tim, Mike and Ryan are all currently Corning Community College students and in the past played on their respective high school tennis teams. The lessons have covered all the basics of tennis and fun games are played to reinforce what is being learned.
The interest and excitement of the boys and girls while learning tennis is very contagious. Head instructor Tim Klee says “All of the kids have really improved since they started.” Karen Shelley, coordinator of Kids World at Parley Coburn has observed kids eager to learn and become better tennis players. Shelley said, “They look forward to the days when they get to play tennis.” Perhaps in a few years we will see these kids on the tennis courts playing for their high school teams! Thank you to the YWCA of Elmira Kids World for their help and partnership with GETA.

Future Plans Require Transportation Assistance

ETA is in the planning process to partner with the PAL Program (Pupil Assistance in Learning) for the 2007-2008 school year. PAL services Chemung County. Adult mentors serve as role models and friends to school-age children, spending time with their PAL’s each week. Volunteers go through a rigorous screening process and are asked to commit to at least one school year.

GETA would offer bimonthly tennis instruction throughout the school year for both the PAL student and volunteer. This is an opportunity for adult and child to learn the sport, get exercise and have fun together. In addition, GETA will offer a series of educational components that address nutrition, study habits, life choices and other relevant topics.

GETA members are needed to establish this program. Many PAL volunteers are Elmira College students. Some college students will not have transportation to the Twin Tier Racquet Club (TTRC) in Big Flats. You can assist by volunteering a Sunday afternoon to drive a PAL volunteer and their student partner to the TTRC. Transportation should not be an obstacle for any child in the PAL Program. We can work together, share our resources to make this happen. If you are willing and able, please contact the GETA phone line or GETA email listed in this newsletter.

Recreational Coaches Workshop (RCW)


Maria Lirio: Certified Tennis Pro

Area tennis coaches, physical education teachers and GETA Board members were actively involved in a USTA - Recreational Coaches Workshop (RCW).  The day long event,  hosted by GETA, was held at the Twin Tier Racquet Club on November 19, 2006.  Twenty participants represented a variety of school districts including:  Elmira, Elmira Heights, Corning, Notre Dame and Towanda.

Edison tennis coach, Joe Condame, had the following comments, “Thank you for the great Recreational Coaches Workshop.  As a long time coach and teacher of tennis I still walked away with new ideas.  I also walked away with many new friendships with other area coaches and people who enjoy tennis.  The lunch food was great. The price of the workshop was unbeatable. Thank you GETA for all you do to help promote tennis in are area! Thank you to all the hard working and dedicated people.”

The Recreational Coaches Workshop provided interactive, on-court training.  The RCW is designed for tennis teachers, and coaches working with players at the recreational level.  The six hour training was conducted by Maria Lirio, a certified tennis professional specifically trained for the RCW Program.  The goal of the program is to help all teachers, coaches, and those interested in learning how to become a recreational coach, with instruction, fresh and innovative ideas and easy-to-follow resources.  Every workshop participant received a packet of resources that included lesson plans and sample equipment in an effort to make learning fun and easy.

“We understand the importance of those teachers and coaches who are working with players at the recreational level,” said Kirk Anderson, Director, Recreational Coaches and Programming, USTA.  "These people play a significant role in determining if a player continues to play tennis.   We want to give the workshop participants exciting ways to introduce the sport and fun activities to keep kids and adults playing."

Tennis Clinics Keep Youth Involved
The cold weather and snow did not stop some young players from improving their tennis skills. GETA Clinics were held at the Twin Tier Racquet Club for students in grades 4 through 12.
Assistant Notre Dame tennis coach Bonnie Lindquist, assisted by Ryan Youngstrom, conducted a monthly tennis clinic for the younger players. A total of 11 players signed up for the clinics consisting of a one hour lesson and a half hour of open play.

President of GETA, Gary Marshall, headed the high school level clinic and was assisted by GETA Board members Phil Levkanich, Rich Rollins, MaryEllen Halm, Dorothy Marshall, and GETA member Bob Junquist. During the four consecutive Sundays of instruction, 21 students attended from Watkins Glen, Southside High School, Notre Dame, Athens, and Towanda.

The first lesson concentrated on the serve, ball toss, proper positioning, and serving with a target in mind. Other lessons progressed to net play, split steps, ground strokes, baseline footwork, and preparation for doubles play. While some of the participants came with high school tennis experience, for others it was their first exposure to tennis. In addition to enjoying the drills and games, this event provided an opportunity for the participants to meet students from other area schools.